2013 SEAT Leon 1.6L Diesel · AF63 OOV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 January 2026, was a pass with only advisory notes concerning the front and rear brake discs being worn, but not to a dangerous extent. Over the last three years the vehicle moved from a major failure in early 2025 – involving a fractured front coil spring and serious fluid leaks from both front shock absorbers – to a clean pass in 2026, indicating that the critical suspension faults have been rectified. However, the recurrence of brake‑disc wear advisories and tyre‑wear warnings, together with ongoing coil‑spring corrosion alerts, shows that the car is now in a stable but still wear‑prone condition and will require continued attention to these systems. At 138 535 miles the 2013 SEAT Leon averages roughly 10 600 miles per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its age. The mileage record does not reveal any long periods of inactivity that might suggest severe ageing of rubber components, nor does it indicate an unusually high annual run‑off that would accelerate wear on engine and drivetrain parts. Consequently the wear observed in the MOT records is more likely to be a function of normal use rather than excessive mileage, but the cumulative distance does mean that consumables such as suspension bushes, brake pads and discs, and tyre tread will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the suspension and braking systems. Inspect all coil springs for signs of corrosion, cracking or loss of stiffness, especially the rear units which have been flagged repeatedly; any audible clunking or uneven ride height on a short test drive would point to lingering issues. The front shock absorbers should be checked for oil leakage – look for dampness around the shock bodies and for any loss of rebound damping when the car is driven over bumps. Brake discs should be measured for thickness; the advisories indicate they are nearing the minimum legal limit, so excessive pedal travel, pulsation or a high‑pitched squeal would suggest that replacement is imminent. Tyres should be examined for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking or tread depth approaching the legal 1.6 mm limit, as the MOT notes have highlighted both front tyres being close to the limit. Beyond the specific MOT items, age‑related checks are advisable. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, looking for swollen cases or a voltage below 12.4 V after a short idle, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour change, particulate contamination or low levels, since calendar degradation can occur even with modest mileage. Finally, inspect the chassis for any rust, particularly around wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the under‑tray, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service, which for a 2013 model would typically be due around the 100 000‑mile mark. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of near‑term maintenance.